As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up for the NCAA Gymnastics Championship, their latest victory has ignited passion from an unexpected corner, a voice sidelined but unbroken. For one suspended U.S. gymnast, it’s a fire that refuses to fade. A decorated gymnast who helped Oklahoma win multiple NCAA titles during his collegiate career, his suspension has kept him off the competition floor. But who is this champion cheering for Oklahoma from the shadows?

Yul Moldauer

captioned his Instagram story on April 8, 2025, showing support to his alma mater as they clinched their 20th Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Championship title.“Let’s goo Boyz. Was amazing to spectate you guys in a battle. 😤” The Sooners’ victory unfolded at Colorado Springs on April 5, where the top-ranked Sooners posted a 329.250 team total to edge No. 2 Stanford (328.950) and California (315.450) and Air Force (313.350). It was a wire-to-wire performance, with Oklahoma leading after every rotation.

Emre Dodanli claimed the horizontal bar title with a 14.300 in the third rotation, while Fuzzy Benas secured the parallel bars crown with a 14.100 in the second. As Stanford finished on vault, the Sooners closed on still rings, needing at least a 13.8 to seal the win. Sophomore Tas Hajdu delivered, clinching the team victory with a 14.050 still-ring score in the final routine. This clutch performance highlighted Oklahoma’s ability to thrive under pressure as they prepare for the national stage.

For Moldauer, watching his former teammates dominate carries extra weight. A 2020 Tokyo Olympian and 2024 Paris Olympic alternate, he announced on January 16, 2025, via Instagram that he had been suspended for 16 months by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) due to three

‘whereabouts violations.’ This penalty, stemming from missing three required location updates within a 12-month period, bars him from competition until January 2026, meaning he’ll miss the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. Away from the mats, Yul kept the energy going by supporting his former University.

The team’s All-MPSF honorees further illuminate the talent fueling this squad. Redshirt junior Fuzzy Benas earned three accolades on floor exercise, parallel bars, and high bar, while senior Emre Dodanli secured honors on high bar. Senior Matthew Burgoyne and sophomore Tas Hajdu were named to the all-conference still rings team, showcasing Oklahoma’s strength in that event. Junior Ignacio Yockers received All-MPSF recognition on pommel horse, and sophomore Tyler Flores earned all-conference honors on vault. This roster isn’t just deep—it’s a lineup of specialists whose individual brilliance elevates the collective, setting Oklahoma apart as they head into the postseason.

With a 20th MPSF title in hand and a roster stacked with all-conference talent, the Sooners are poised to chase national glory. Even

after being suspended, Moldauer’s support from afar only amplifies the narrative: This is a team with history, heart, and a brotherly bond that transcends the mat. Once a Sooner, always a Sooner. As the NCAA Championships approach, Oklahoma’s momentum looks undeniable.

Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team will be the No. 1 national seed at the 2025 NCAA Championships

On April 5, 2025, the No. 1 national seed Sooners men’s gymnastics secured the ticket for the 2025 NCAA Championships, a testament to their dominance throughout the season. This milestone, announced following their standout performance at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Championship, sets the stage for Oklahoma to chase yet another national title when the championships kick off on April 18-19 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Oklahoma tops the national rankings with a National Qualifying Average (NQA) of 327.700, edging out No. 2 Michigan (326.838) and No. 3 Stanford (326.813). Nebraska follows at No. 4 (324.538), Penn State at No. 5 (322.700), and Illinois at No. 6 (321.100). The top 12 round out with Ohio State (320.663), Air Force (312.863), California (312.800), Navy (312.263), Army (311.519), and William & Mary (309.875). This No. 1 ranking reflects Oklahoma’s consistency and excellence, a standard they’ve upheld for decades.

The Sooners have finished first or second in 19 of the last 23 NCAA team championships and have reached 24 consecutive NCAA finals since 2000. They’ve landed in the top three in 22 of those 23 championships, dating back to 2001. Their most recent title came in 2018, capping a run of four straight national championships. Tied with Penn State for the most men’s gymnastics national titles, Oklahoma’s pedigree is unmatched.

For Oklahoma, the No. 1 seed isn’t unfamiliar territory—they’ve won nine NCAA titles since 2000 under head coach Mark Williams. Yet, each season brings a new challenge. As they prepare for Ann Arbor, the Sooners carry not just their season’s triumphs but the weight of expectation. Can they turn their top billing into a championship coronation? The answer awaits on the mat.